The dig by Sweden's Lund University began in 2012 and in 2015 they discovered the remains of an ancient temple in Gabal al-Silsila.

Initial examinations revealed several complete bodies as well as evidence of malnutrition and broken bones that were the result of heavy labour, the ministry quoted expedition head Maria Nilsson as saying.

Further studies are expected to reveal the social rankings of those buried there.

REUTERS

ANCIENT: Skeletons were discovered in the vast burial site uncovered by scientists